Paul Bunyan Park — Local services in Bemidji

🫎🪵🌳Paul Bunyan Park in Bemidji, Minnesota, is a legendary lumberjack’s playground, where Paul Bunyan himself would feel right at home—if he wasn't busy wrestling oxen or making mountains. The giant statues of Paul and his trusty blue ox, Babe, are a sight to behold and a perfect backdrop for your vacation photos. Standing next to Paul, I felt like a flea on a St. Bernard.

The park offers scenic views, but be prepared to encounter mosquitoes with ambitions larger than Babe's horns. Remember to pack your industrial-strength bug spray and maybe a tiny chainsaw for good measure. The lakeside setting is gorgeous, but try not to wonder if Paul's footprints created those lakes—it's a bit unnerving.

There's a playground for the kids, where they can pretend to chop down trees or take a spin on Babe-themed rides. If you hear them shouting "Timber!" don't worry; it's just part of the charm.

So, grab your plaid shirt, your best tall tales, and a camera with a wide-angle lens. Paul Bunyan Park is where history, humor, and a healthy fear of enormous statues come together for a...

The most iconic stop in Bemidji. Visit Paul and Babe for a photo with the lake in the background. The visitor center is about 20 feet from the statues and has bathrooms in case this is a quick rest stop for you. With a landscaped garden, paved path and two docks - this is a beautiful place for a stroll.

For families with children, a large playground is featured nearby. There are shady spots to sit on the grass and have a picnic. Another great feature is the large pavilion that sits not far off.

Follow any path north to see the pond with a fountain and the ever present flock of geese - just don't get too close to these cobra chickens - they are not friendly.

This park connects to the Paul Bunyan hiking trail that circles the entire lake. Bike rentals are available in the visitor center.

Pro tip: there is an icecream shop across the street. A Bemidji gift shop and Morels chippewa trading post are right next door...

This is my kids favorite park. The playground is gorgeous and educational! It's next to a lake so you have a peaceful view of the waters while the kids play, there's an ice cream shop across the street as well as a book shop and a Chippewa trading post that are also super interesting! My kids are more interested in the playground and the museum than anything else, and there is a bathroom accessible at the park inside the museum that is always kept clean as well as one of those high tech water fountain with the water bottle fill station built into it too which is super awesome with there being trails to hike there, a fishing pier and...